In May 2001, I wrote an article for Plane & Pilot magazine, entitled Never too Old to Fly.
A quarter decade ago. Old stuff, right?
No. In fact, just the opposite.
Back then, interviewing people like Ralph Charles (the oldest pilot on the planet at 101), and Evelyn Johnson, an active instrument flight instructor and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), well into her 90’s, was a game changer for me. These people were hot. They loved life and were beyond passionate. I wanted to know more.
What’s the common denominator?
Since then, I’ve interviewed pilots and non-pilots alike to uncover the common denominator behind their zest for life and seemingly ageless demeanor. A recurring theme has consistently emerged: these individuals simply discovered and pursued activities that brought them genuine joy. Few, if any, ever found themselves trapped in jobs they despised, grinding out an existence day after day in roles they abhorred. Instead, they maintained a positive outlook and, whenever possible, embraced an active lifestyle that kept them resilient and vibrant.
Girlfriends and speeding at 103
Case in point: While interviewing Ralph Charles at his ranch in Somerset, Ohio, I asked him point blank, if he thought he might be too old to fly at 101 years old. He snorted back, “Hell no!” Then proceeded to show me some of his semi-aerobatic flying maneuvers later that afternoon.
The guy simply didn’t let his age, dictate the game. In fact, a couple years later, at the age of 103, he was nailed for speeding, while taking his girlfriend, “Toots” home for the evening! (the actual telephone conversation can be heard at, Tillison.com -> Videos).
The secret to finding passion
More recently, I had the distinct privilege of meeting up with the last surviving P-51 fighter ace of WWII. Bud Anderson was a “gentlemen’s fighter.” One of the nicest, easy-going guys in two shoes. However, as Chuck Yeager would say, “In an airplane…the guy was a mongoose.”
But during the interview Bud said something that struck me. As we talked about jobs, life-goals, and flying in general, he spilled the beans. After a moment of reflection, he simply said emphatically, “If you get a job you like to do… you can accel.”
Therein lies the kicker that’s killing people. Many people in fact, don’t like what they’re doing. With no real purpose or passion, they’re mentally, spiritually, and all too often, physically, dropping dead. It doesn’t have to be this way, if you have the guts seek the passion path.
Beating the money trap
A few years back, I had an attorney as a flight student. His law firm was thriving. Yet one day he approached me with a surprising confession: “I’m done with law. I’m just not happy with the work.” He proceeded to tell me he wanted to change occupations and pursue his flight instructor rating.
At the time, my jaw dropped knowing the extreme plunge in income he would experience. But I now understand. Time is fleeting and there’s nothing in the world more important that to live your life with the freedom to chase your passion, not your pension.
If you have to take a pay cut, sell the truck, or walk from the dead-end job, do it. The most devastating and irreversible outcome at life’s end is regret. Like Steve Jobs so adroitly said in his speech to the Stanford graduates, “You’ve got to find what you love. Don’t settle.”
Do this, to set yourself free
So here’s my “flight lesson” to you. Find your fire. No matter what. Don’t settle. Do the search. If you feel that you’re in an inescapable rut, you must “escape” n as if your life depends on it. Because it does.
So how do you proceed? Here’s your immediate action plan. It’ll take 15 minutes of your time, so buck, up and prepare to invest 15 big ones…like right now.
First off, grab a pen and paper. Set a timer. Take exactly ten minutes and “go bold.” That is, write down every personal and career possibility you can imagine, without judgment or concern for practicality. Let your ideas flow freely. Write fast, and with abandon. When the timer sounds, give yourself five more minutes to review your list and identify the one idea that surprisingly seems most attainable. The one that stands out above the rest. You’ll most likely be amazed with the revelation that previously eluded you.
Your life is too precious to spend unfulfilled. Keep in mind, your journey to find your passion is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. A necessity for a life well-lived. So, embrace the search. Don’t let any fear hold you back. Just take that first step. Adventure awaits—seize it and don’t look back.
Your ”fire” will light the way.